On the 19th of May, 1809, Napoleon took possession of the villages of
Asperne and Essling, with so little opposition, that it was evident the
Archduke wished the battle, now unavoidable, to take place with the
river between the enemy and Vienna.
On the 21st of May, at day-break, the Archduke Charles appeared on a
hill at some distance from the French, whose army consisted of 20,000
men. The Austrians began by a furious assault on the village of Asperne,
which was taken and re-taken several times. Essling was also attacked
three times; but there the French held their own.
Night interrupted the battle; the Austrians exulting in their partial
success. On the following morning the French recovered the church of
Asperne. The right wing of the Austrians renewed their assaults with
increased energy on that point. Napoleon seeing them in such numbers,
judged that the centre and left had been reduced, in order to strengthen
the right wing, and instantly moved an immense body on the Austrian
centre, so as to shake the Archduke’s line, and for a few minutes
victory seemed secure. From this time the battle continued with varied
success; the Austrians at length succeeded in destroying the bridge
connecting the island of Lobau with the right bank. On this Napoleon
fell back on Lobau; when the Austrians perceiving their retreat
recovered their order and zeal, charged in turn, and finally made
themselves masters of Asperne.
[Illustration: BATTLE OF ESSLING.]